About Warts:

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter the body through a small break in the skin. Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat and smooth. The appearance of a wart depends on where it is growing.

Types Of Warts:

Plantar Wart: This type of wart usually appears on your heels, toes, or the balls of your feet. Warts on the bottom of your feet are called plantar warts because they are on the plantar surface of your feet. Most plantar warts do not stick up above the surface like common warts because the pressure of walking flattens them and pushes them back into the skin. Like common warts, these warts may have black dots. These are particularly stubborn to treat as they tend to go very deep into the foot.

Common Wart: Type of wart most commonly appears on your fingers and hands. These are also caused by a virus and are transmitted via touch. They are more common where skin has been broken such as where fingernail has been bitten.

Flat Wart: This type of wart is more common in teens and children than in adults. Flat warts are smoother, flatter, and smaller than other warts and they generally occur on the face. Flat warts also can appear on the legs, especially among females.

Genital Wart: This wart is the most common of all sexually transmitted infections and are caused by HPV. They often appear as flesh coloured bumps or have a cauliflower type appearance. Some strains of HPV cause genital warts and some strains can cause cancer. There are now vaccines available that protect against certain strains of HPV.

Warts can disappear without treatment over a period of several months to years. However, warts that are bothersome, painful, or rapidly multiplying should be treated.

If you are seeking treatment your warts and want to book an appointment with our dermatologist, Dr. Paul Kuzel, please visit your family doctor and request a Rapid Access referral to Rejuvenation Laser Dermatology.